Complete timing chain, guide, tensioner, and cam phaser replacement for the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, requiring engine front disassembly and precise timing alignment.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Timing chain kit (includes chains, guides, tensioners) × 1 — Use OEM Ford kit for all internal components
• Cam phaser set (left and right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Timing cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gaskets (left and right) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Crankshaft front seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Camshaft position sensor O-rings × 4 — Use OEM specification
• VVT solenoid O-rings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Camshaft sprocket friction washers × 4 — Diamond friction coated, must replace
• RTV silicone gasket maker × 1 — Motorcraft TA-31 or equivalent
• Engine oil and filter × 1 — Motorcraft 5W-20 Synthetic Blend
• Engine coolant × 1 — Motorcraft Orange Coolant

Fluids

• Motorcraft 5W-20 Synthetic Blend — 6 qt
• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 13 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold (coolant below 100°F)
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 10 minutes for system power-down
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on retaining clips
4. Drain engine oil completely and remove oil filter
5. Drain cooling system at radiator petcock and lower hose
6. Remove air intake assembly from turbochargers to throttle body
7. Remove engine appearance cover and intercooler piping
8. Support engine with fixture or hoist from above - engine will need to be raised slightly
9. Place vehicle on jack stands at appropriate lift points for undercarriage access
10. Remove front wheels and lower splash shields for crankshaft access
11. Relieve fuel system pressure by removing fuel pump fuse and cranking engine until it stalls
12. Mark and photograph all vacuum lines, electrical connectors, and hose routing before disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove accessory drive system and front engine mounting
   Remove serpentine belt by rotating tensioner clockwise. Remove power steering pump and set aside without disconnecting lines. Remove A/C compressor and secure to frame without disconnecting lines. Remove alternator. Remove upper radiator hose and heater hoses from front of engine. Remove right-side engine mount to allow engine to be raised approximately 2 inches for timing cover clearance.
2. 2

   Remove valve covers and ignition coils
   Disconnect all ignition coil electrical connectors. Remove six ignition coils from each bank (12 total). Disconnect VVT solenoid connectors on each valve cover. Remove valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (consult service manual for sequence diagram). Carefully remove both valve covers and gaskets. Inspect valve train for damage or unusual wear patterns.
3. 3

   Remove crankshaft pulley and front accessories
   Remove crankshaft pulley center bolt using holding tool to prevent rotation. Use harmonic balancer puller to remove crankshaft pulley - do NOT pry against timing cover. Remove power steering reservoir bracket if present. Remove coolant bypass tube from front of engine. Remove water pump (timing cover-mounted design). Note locations of all different bolt lengths for timing cover removal.
   ⚠Crankshaft pulley bolt uses a friction-coated washer that must be replaced if removed. Do not reuse.
4. 4

   Remove timing cover
   Remove all timing cover bolts - there are three different sizes (6mm, 8mm, and 10mm). Consult service manual for bolt location diagram. Carefully separate timing cover from engine block using plastic pry points only - do not damage sealing surfaces. Remove old timing cover gasket completely. Clean all RTV and gasket material from block and cover sealing surfaces using plastic scraper. Inspect crankshaft front seal in timing cover.
   ⚠Metal tools used on sealing surfaces will cause permanent damage and oil leaks. Use only plastic scrapers.
   Torque spec

   Timing Cover Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Verify and document timing alignment before disassembly
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise using center bolt hole until number 1 cylinder is at TDC compression stroke (both cam lobes pointing outward). Install timing pins through timing cover mounting holes into camshaft drive gears to lock position. Verify all timing marks align: crankshaft keyway at 12 o'clock, left cam timing mark at 12 o'clock, right cam timing mark at 12 o'clock. Take photographs of all timing marks and chain positions. Mark chain direction of rotation with paint pen.
   ⚠️This is the most critical step. If timing marks do not align perfectly, DO NOT proceed. Investigate why engine timing is incorrect before disassembly.
6. 6

   Remove primary timing chain tensioners and guides
   Remove left and right primary timing chain tensioners by removing mounting bolts. Note that tensioners should be in compressed position - if extended, chain may have stretched. Remove primary timing chain guides (fixed guides bolted to block). Remove primary tensioner arms (pivoting guides). Keep all components separated by bank (left/right) and labeled.
   Torque spec

   Timing Chain Tensioner25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

   Timing Chain Guide Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove camshaft sprockets and cam phasers
   Using camshaft holding tool on hex flats behind each camshaft sprocket, loosen and remove camshaft sprocket bolts (4 bolts total - 2 per bank). Remove camshaft sprockets and primary timing chains as an assembly. Note chain routing around idler sprockets. Remove cam phaser bolts while holding camshaft with wrench on hex section. Remove cam phasers from camshafts. Inspect cam phaser locking pins for damage or wear.
   ⚠Diamond friction washers on camshaft sprocket bolts MUST be replaced. Mark which washers came from which position.
   ⚠Do not allow camshafts to rotate once chains are removed. Mark cam position relative to cylinder head with paint pen.
   Torque spec

   Camshaft Sprocket Bolts80 Nm (59 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove secondary timing chains and components
   Remove idler sprocket bolts and idler sprockets. Remove secondary timing chain tensioners (mounted to cylinder heads). Remove secondary timing chains from cam phasers and crankshaft. Remove all remaining timing guides. Thoroughly inspect all components for wear: check chain stretch using new chain as comparison, inspect guide surfaces for grooving, check tensioner operation by compressing and releasing.
   Torque spec

   Timing Chain Tensioner25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Prepare and install new timing components
   Compress all new hydraulic tensioners in bench vise slowly (over 5 minutes to avoid damaging internal components). Insert retaining pins through tensioner bodies to keep compressed. Install new timing chain guides to engine block and cylinder heads with bolts. Install idler sprockets to crankshaft. Apply light engine oil to all chain contact surfaces and sprocket teeth. Verify crankshaft is still at TDC position (keyway at 12 o'clock).
   ⚠Tensioners must be compressed slowly. Rapid compression will damage internal check valves.
   Torque spec

   Timing Chain Guide Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install secondary timing chains and cam phasers
    Route secondary timing chains around crankshaft and idler sprockets per service manual diagram. Install cam phasers to camshafts with timing marks in correct position (aligned at 12 o'clock). Apply medium-strength threadlocker to cam phaser bolts. Hold camshafts stationary using wrench on hex and torque cam phaser bolts to specification. Install secondary chain tensioners with retaining pins still installed to cylinder heads.
    ⚠️Cam phasers are handed (left/right). Installing on wrong bank will cause immediate engine failure. Verify part numbers match bank location.
    Torque spec

    Timing Chain Tensioner25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install primary timing chains and camshaft sprockets
    Route primary timing chains around cam phasers and crankshaft per service manual routing diagram. Ensure colored links on chain align with timing marks on cam phasers and crankshaft sprocket. Install camshaft sprockets with NEW friction washers. Hold camshafts with holding tool and install sprocket bolts finger tight. Torque camshaft sprocket bolts to 30 lb-ft (Step 1), then rotate additional 90 degrees (Step 2) using angle gauge.
    ⚠️Verify all timing marks align with colored chain links before tightening any bolts. Misalignment of even one tooth will cause engine damage.
    Torque spec

    Camshaft Sprocket Bolts80 Nm (59 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install primary tensioners and verify timing
    Install primary timing chain tensioners with retaining pins installed. Torque tensioner bolts to specification. Install primary tensioner arms (pivoting guides). Double-check all timing marks are aligned. Remove all timing pins from tensioners - tensioners should apply pressure to chains. Manually rotate crankshaft two complete revolutions clockwise. Reinstall timing pins to verify camshafts return to exact TDC position. If timing pins do not fit, timing is incorrect - disassemble and correct.
    ⚠️Do not rotate engine counterclockwise. This can cause chain skip and immediate valve damage.
    ⚠️If timing verification fails, do NOT proceed. Disassemble and correct timing before continuing.
    Torque spec

    Timing Chain Tensioner25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install timing cover and crankshaft seal
    Install new crankshaft front seal into timing cover using seal driver - seal should be flush with cover surface. Apply thin bead of RTV silicone (Motorcraft TA-31) to timing cover sealing surface per service manual pattern. Install new timing cover gasket. Position timing cover onto engine and install all bolts finger tight. Torque timing cover bolts in sequence per service manual: 6mm bolts to 7 lb-ft, 8mm bolts to 18 lb-ft, 10mm bolts to 33 lb-ft. Allow RTV to cure for 30 minutes before adding fluids.
    ⚠Excessive RTV will squeeze into oil passages and cause engine damage. Use only specified bead size and pattern.
    Torque spec

    Timing Cover Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall valve covers and external components
    Install new valve cover gaskets. Position valve covers and install bolts finger tight. Torque valve cover bolts in sequence (from center outward) to 7 lb-ft per service manual diagram. Install new VVT solenoid O-rings and torque solenoids to specification. Reinstall ignition coils and connect electrical connectors. Install water pump with new gasket. Install crankshaft pulley using new friction washer - torque center bolt to 37 lb-ft, then rotate additional 90 degrees.
15. 15

    Reinstall accessories and refill fluids
    Reinstall right engine mount. Reinstall alternator, A/C compressor, and power steering pump. Reinstall all coolant hoses and heater hoses. Install new oil filter. Install oil drain plug with new crush washer and torque to specification. Refill engine with 6 quarts Motorcraft 5W-20 synthetic blend oil. Refill cooling system with 13 quarts Motorcraft Orange coolant and bleed air from system. Install serpentine belt. Reinstall air intake and intercooler piping. Reconnect battery.

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connectors are properly seated and locked
2. Check that all vacuum lines and hoses are connected per photographs taken during disassembly
3. Verify serpentine belt is properly seated on all pulleys with correct routing
4. Double-check oil level on dipstick - should be at full mark
5. Verify coolant level in reservoir after engine has cooled
6. Install front splash shields and wheels if removed
7. Install engine appearance cover

Verification

• Before starting engine, rotate crankshaft by hand two complete revolutions using socket on center bolt - should rotate smoothly with no binding or resistance
• Start engine and immediately verify oil pressure light extinguishes within 2-3 seconds
• Listen for any abnormal timing chain noise, rattles, or ticking during initial startup
• Allow engine to idle and reach operating temperature while monitoring for leaks at timing cover, valve covers, and all gasket surfaces
• Verify no coolant leaks at water pump, hoses, or timing cover interfaces
• Check for diagnostic trouble codes using scan tool - should have no cam/crank correlation codes (P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019)
• Perform test drive and verify normal engine operation under load and acceleration
• Recheck oil and coolant levels after test drive and top off if necessary
• Monitor for any oil leaks over next 100 miles - retorque valve cover bolts if seepage occurs
• Verify cam phaser operation is normal - no rattle on startup or excessive noise during acceleration

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